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Improved qo s support for wimax networks a survey

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Network and Complex Systems www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-610X (Paper) ISSN 2225-0603 (Online)Vol.3, No.2, 2013-8Improved QoS Support for WiMAX Networks: A SurveyElechi Onyekachi O.1*and Eze Elias C.11. Computer Science Department, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, PObox 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria* E-mail of the corresponding author: kachyelechi@yahoo.comAbstractQuality of Service (QoS) is considered as the backbone of any Broadband media access network of whichWiMAX is not an exception. Immense work is being carried out in the academia in this area. The goal is to comeup with improved QoS to support different traffics in WiMAX network. This work presents a survey of thevarious current states-of-the-art QoS schemes that could be utilised to realise a guaranteed QoS necessary foreffective general high WiMAX access network performance. We concentrate on three approaches. Theapproaches include Hierarchical Scheduling Framework for QoS in WiMAX point-to-point Networks, thisapproach divides scheduling scheme into three different Tiers. Others are Cross-layer Optimization Frameworkand Resource Allocation for Improved QoS in WiMAX; and On-demand Bandwidth Allocation for WiMAX.Keywords: WiMAX, QoS, Scheduling, Broadband, Bandwidth, Throughput.1. IntroductionWiMAX network is a form of Broadband wireless access networks. It is becoming very popular in the world ofcommunications and computer networks both in the industries and the academia. It has potential ability toprovide Broadband wireless access and provide a better and cheaper solution for communication services whencompared with the existing standards and technologies [1]. However, Quality of Service (QoS) remains one ofthe major factors that are hindering the design of WiMAX network to support different types of traffic [2]. Wesurveyed various works presented in this regard and come up with the top three approaches of improving thequality of service (QoS) to support different traffic in the WiMAX network with the best performances. Theseapproaches are based on the IEEE 802.16 standards which defines the MAC (Media Access Control) layer of theWiMAX [1] network. Section II gives the overview of some related works that serve as the foundationtechnology to the approaches we surveyed. While sub-sections III, IV and V describe the state of the artapproaches surveyed and presented in this work. The approaches are: Hierarchical Scheduling Framework forQoS Service in WiMAX point-to-point Networks; cross-layer optimization framework and resource allocationfor improved QoS in WiMAX; and on demand bandwidth allocation for WiMAX. Lastly, Conclusions comes upin section VI.2. Background ReviewSo many scheduling schemes and algorithm for fine tuning the QoS service for WiMAX network have beenproposed and implemented in the past. A single layer approach was proposed in [3], while, [4] introduceshierarchical approach for QoS support in WiMAX networks. Token Bank Fair Queuing (TBFQ) was proposed by[5]. This makes use of the priority index and then tracks the normalised service that is received by the excessflows.In a protocol UBAR (Uplink Bandwidth Allocation and Recovery), a proportional fair scheme is engaged toutilize the bandwidth efficiency [6]. Half-duplex allocation (HDA) a grant allocation algorithm, this algorithmproposed to certify a constant and feasible grant allocation while meeting up with the sufficient conditions [7].Hence, you have on-board and adaptive bandwidth allocation scheme (ABAS) to adjust the bandwidth ratioaccording to the current traffic profile. In this scheme, the aggregate throughput is higher but it failed to reckonwith the service flow priority and fairly. Certainly, the adoption of this scheme will trigger the starvation serviceflow [3]. However, the proposed pre-emptive deficit priority fair priority queue (PDFPQ) aimed to optimize theQoS requirement of real-time polling service (nrPS) flow category reduces the delay time and enhance thethroughput at the same time. Then, the proposal of highest urgency first (HUF) algorithm emerged, a modulationaware, while meeting up with the latency, guarantees service differentiation and fairness. The three approaches

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Network and Complex Systems www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-610X (Paper) ISSN 2225-0603 (Online)Vol.3, No.2, 2013-9(schemes) presented in this survey based on the IEEE 802.16 standards which defines the MAC layer of theWiMAX access network aimed at supporting different real-time traffic (audio/video) in the WiMAX networkwith the best performances are discussed in-depth in the following sub-sections.3. Hierarchical Scheduling Framework for QOS Service in WiMAX Point-to-Point NetworksScheduling algorithm is important in the provisioning of guaranteed quality of service parameters such as delay,packet loss rate and throughput. In this subsection, Hierarchical scheduling framework for improving the QoS(Quality of Service) in WiMAX point-to-point is x-rayed. In this approach, three-tier QoS service architectureand scheduling schemes are used to provide the needed support for the improvement of QoS supports in WiMAXnetworks with point-to-point topology [8]. The main techniques here is that, the QoS provisioning is dynamicallydistributed to three tiers and each of the tiers is independently implemented in a separate BS (Base Station) andSS (subscriber Station). It is expected of this approach to improve the performance of WiMAX point-to-pointnetwork in terms of QoS such as packet delay, packet loss rate and throughput [8]. This approach is deployedwith real-time and non-real-time integration of traffic.3.1 The Structure of WiMAX PMP (Point-to-point) Network and workability.This approach provides an architecture which make up for the missing protocols in the QoS architecturespecified in the IEEE 802.16d standard, thereby providing the required enhancement and improvement in theperformance metrics such as delay, bandwidth, packet drop rate and throughput of the WiMAX access network.4. Cross-Layer Optimization Framework and Resource Allocation for Improved QOS in WiMAXThe requirements of delivering end-to-end quality of service (QoS) in this new age of computing especially inwireless networking such as WiMAX (the first generation of 4G broadband access wireless technology with anenhanced in-built quality of service provision) considering the limited network resources available involve theuse of spectrum more efficiently. To achieve the requirements of high spectral efficiency and QoS provision inmobile radio setting entails the compliance of several layers in the WiMAX network system which in turn callsfor effective optimization scheme that is cross-layer adaptive [11]. According to [10], to attain the QoSrequirement of service guarantee such as minimum data rate, reliability, jitter-controlled, low latency, and userfairness of next generation wireless network systems, proper and efficient designing of cross-layer optimisedwireless network is a necessity. In this section, cross-layer framework for WiMAX networks is proposed tooptimise the network performances along with sustaining the end-to-end QoS of individual users. Reference [10]maintained that cross-layer design approaches are very vital for efficiently making the most of the limited radioresources with QoS delivering in the 4G wireless network systems such as WiMAX. In other words, bettersystem performance (QoS requirements) in terms of minimum data rate and low latency can be achieved throughinformation exchanges across different protocol layers which the conventional layered architecture cannotprovide.Resource allocation and scheduling remain crucial concern since efficient use of the scarce network resources ishighly needed to achieve the sole aim of high level of cross-layer optimisation for QoS in next generationwireless network. According to [12], resource allocation is associated with medium access control (MAC) and isa cross-layer design issue that is applied in MAC by means of information exchange with other layers. Properand efficient cross-layer resource allocation remains a challenge that must be considered and addressed as thewireless channel conditions and user requirements of QoS may not be constant, hence the need for constantupdating of network add-on parameters. Cross-layer design based on the order in which QoS optimisation iscarried out can be classified in four (4) categories as discussed below: Top-down technique – in this approach, higher protocols improve their parameters together with thestrategies in use at the immediately following lower layer. According to [10], most current systems hasemployed this cross-layer solution during which the MAC parameters and strategies are dictated by theapplication, while the MAC selects the most advantageous PHY layer modulation and coding scheme. Bottom-up technique – in bottom-up technique, lower-layer protocols attempt to shield the higher-layersfrom losses and bandwidth variations. This cross-layer solution is not the best when it comes tomultimedia transmission owing to the unnecessary performance (throughput) reductions and delaysexperienced during the transmission.

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Network and Complex Systems www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-610X (Paper) ISSN 2225-0603 (Online)Vol.3, No.2, 2013-10 MAC centric technique – here, the application layer forwards its traffic details and requirements to theMAC which in turn comes to a decision as to which application layer packets should be transmitted andthe particular QoS level the packets should be transmitted. The MAC as well chooses the PHY layerparameters and strategies [13] depending on the available channel information. Integrated technique – in integrated approach, all feasible strategies and their corresponding parametersare tried so as to choose the most appropriate composite strategy that will lead to the best quality oroptimal performance (throughput). In order words, strategies are determined jointly; but this is ratherdifficult if not impractical as a result of the associated complexity involved. With reference to [10] and[13], this complex cross-layer optimisation problem could be resolved in an integrated manner throughthe application of learning and classification techniques, which yield the most optimum but complexdesign.The MAC centric cross-layer optimisation which is comparatively easier as well as simple to implement, andpresents the most suitable approach to solving our problem of using cross-layer framework for WiMAXnetworks for the system performance optimisation in addition to maintaining the end-to-end QoS of individualusers. MAC centric cross-layer conceptual framework for resource allocation optimisation is as depicted infigure 1 below. It is made of source, wireless channel, Application Layer, MAC and PHY layers. Applicationlayer accesses the source through the source characteristics Dynamics.5. On-demand Bandwidth Allocation for WiMAX.This technique is proposed to tackle the problem of bandwidth allocation in IEEE 802.16e-2005 standard basedWiMAX accessed network, by using a mechanism which allocates the bandwidth on demand.However, it is important to note that the IEEE 802.16e-2005 is an additional expansion of WiMAX standard.IEEE 802.16e-2004 and further expansion of WiMAX in the frequency range up to 6GHz with the goal ofaccommodating mobile application and roaming [14]. The size of carriers can vary over a wide range relative tothe permutation zones and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) base (128, 512, 1024, and 2048). The frame controlheader (FCH) content has been shortened and modified for Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) size 128. Thisadjustment introduces new feature and attribute to the standard necessary to support mobility.WiMAX key technology can use both OFDMA and OFDM modulation scheme to sufficiently enable Multi-pathaccess in non-line-of –sight situations (NLOS), it thus, selects appropriate bandwidth at 1.25—20Mhz based onthe frequency resources and service flow demand [14]. WiMAX Physical layer Switch to TDD mode, to selectproportion frame for uplink and down link direction, based on the service demand. In order to provide efficientchannel access control mechanism, the MAC layer is defined by IEEE 802.16e-2005 protocol to controlmechanism mainly includes service, access control past convergence ranging link scheduling and optionalautomatic retransmission mechanism. Brief description of the model design is presented under the followingheadings.SourceWirelessChannelApplicationLayerMACPHYSourcecharacteristicsDynamicsSourcecharacteristicsDynamicsSourcecharacteristicsDynamicsFigure 1: Dynamics of Cross-layer Design [10]

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Network and Complex Systems www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-610X (Paper) ISSN 2225-0603 (Online)Vol.3, No.2, 2013-115.1 Bandwidth Allocation Requirement Ranging: WiMAX ranging process includes 4 types of ranging as shown in the table 1 below.Code FunctionInitial ranging code Establish connection betweenBS & CSPeriod ranging code BS and SS keep contactHO ranging code Establish connection betweenSS and new BSBR ranging code SS send to BS for bandwidthallocationTable 1: WiMAX Ranging process Service flow Management of WiMAX System: IEEE 802.16e standard based WiMAX access networkdefine five (5) types of service flow as following, Unsolicited Grant Service (UGS), Extended real timepolling service (ertPS), Real time polling service (rtPS) non-real time polling service (nrtPS) and Besteffort (BE) [14]. QoS parameters Class: This is a parameter group which describe the service flow such as Maximumdelay, tolerant jitter, and minimum reserved traffic rate etc. it has 3 levels of class, preparative QoSparameters Class, admitted QoS parameters Class and Activated QoS parameters class.5.2 Brief Description of the ApproachTwo new modules are introduced in SS. They are service flow Management (SFM) module and UL BandwidthManagement (ULBM) module respectively. The terminal is not responsible for sending the bandwidth requestmessage based on every service flow connection, rather the UBLM will compute the total amount bandwidth ofall of the service flow necessary and then forward the bandwidth request message to BS. After receiving thegranted UL bandwidth by SS from BS, the SS will then distribute the UL bandwidth according to the differentservice flow QoS demand and requirement [15]. The SFM handles the dynamic service flow management. Itsends DAS/DCS/DSD request message to ULBBM and the ULBM will feedback a response message to SFMaccording to the UL bandwidth size. Eventually, the UL scheduler will schedule the activated service flow, andthe scheduler will adjust the AMC state dynamically according to the granted UL bandwidth size and HRGQ.6. ConclusionsWe have presented a survey of three improved approaches to QoS service for enhancing the performance ofscheduling scheme in IEEE 802.16e-2005 standard based WiMAX accessed networks to support differenttraffics, both non-real-time and real-time applications. Each of these three approaches focuses on a majornetwork add-on performance entities of QoS, (Delay, throughput and bandwidth utilization) for differentapplications. By way of careful investigation, the three approaches, it can be seen that each of themtremendously improve and enhance the performance and the QoS service support in WiMAX access networks.Hence, the application of these presented approaches will provide Performance add-on parameters that suggestoptimum QoS namely throughput, packet delay variation, WiMAX network delay, packet end-to-end delay andjitter Although more work is needed to be done to fully harness and extract the potentials in WiMAX accessnetworks for possible replacement to circuit-switched communication technology like Public SwitchedTelephone Networks (PSTN).